Halló, allir (Hi, everyone)! Are you planning a trip to Iceland this year?
This amazing place in Europe is something you should definitely put on your bucket list; I have recently visited it. Iceland is a year-round destination with enough things to offer tourists, despite some expensive and overly touristy areas.
But, it’s a good idea to plan your Iceland trip carefully if you want to save money and make sure you get the greatest experience possible.
Whether you’re envisioning a summer trip or a winter trip to see the northern lights, be ready to see Iceland your way. Travel at your own pace with an experienced guide, or take a multi-day tour that combines solo exploration with professionally guided excursions.
I got you! Let’s start planning a trip to Iceland 2024!
Guide on Planning A Trip To Iceland 2024
Know When To Travel
Visiting Iceland in any season is a great experience, but winter is a completely different experience than summer!
I’ve personally visited every winter. The opportunity to see the Northern Lights, cozy exploration of Reykjavik, steaming coffee to warm me up, and snow-covered vistas are all things I treasure.
However, you’ll likely enjoy better weather, the Midnight Sun, and more events during the summer.
You could have the best of both worlds during shoulder season! Isn’t it nice?
Choose Your Destination in Iceland
There are a ton of must-see destinations in Iceland. Stunning waterfalls, geysers, lagoons, volcanoes, glaciers, valleys, hot springs, and much more can be found across the varied landscape.
Imagine hiking in the volcanic mountains, observing puffins in the west, or admiring the magnificent waterfalls of the Golden Circle. Iceland is waiting for you with all of this and so much more.
Save up Money!
Iceland is pricey, so if you’re not stressing over every cent, you’ll enjoy your trip much more. I particularly enjoyed the hot cocoa and cake breaks on the chilly days.
Check for Entry Requirements
A visa is needed in some countries to enter Iceland. You could also require a visa if you plan to travel to Iceland from a country other than the United States.
Iceland does not currently have any travel restrictions or vaccination or testing requirements, but things could change at any time. To keep informed on the most recent policies, make sure to visit the official Iceland website. Make sure that you understand the requirements for your return trip from your home country as well. When you go back, there might be forms or testing requirements for you to complete.
Make Advance Booking Flights
As soon as you decide to travel to Iceland, I advise booking your flights immediately so you can concentrate on saving up for your trip while taking care of one expense at a time!
Also, booking flights in advance generally leads to a lower price.
Consider Booking A Trip
Indeed, trip packages aren’t limited to beach excursions—they can also include city breaks. Flights, lodging, transfers, and even a tour of the Northern Lights are all included in certain packages.
Booking your Icelandic vacation as a package has several benefits, including:
A single ticket covers the majority of your trip expenses. This can be useful in circumstances of delays or cancellations and keeps things organized and efficient.
If something goes wrong, you’ll be covered.
A package booking may be less expensive.
Make Advance Booking Accommodation
You must make reservations well in advance, particularly if you are travelling during the summer’s peak season. You can find self-catering accommodations.
Purchase Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is crucial if something goes wrong in your trip. Travel insurance can be purchased through SafetyWing – a low-cost alternative accessible globally, True Traveller – for residents of the UK and EU, and Heymondo – available globally.
Check Out Restaurants Ahead Of Time
Considering how costly Iceland is, it’s a good idea to think about your spending and decide which restaurant you’ll be eating at ahead of time.
I always look up restaurants on Google Maps before I go to any place to make sure I can find something to eat.
Finalize Your Trip
Whether you book a trip or take a DIY trip, you still need to do this. Note down your destination, the routes you’ll be taking, the cost of the entrance, and other pertinent details.
Start Packing – Make Sure It’s Right And Complete!
It’s time to pack as your trip is almost coming!
Regardless of the season, I would suggest bringing the following essentials to Iceland:
- Additional camera batteries and SD cards
- Comfy shoes
- Power bank
- Snacks
- Suitable daypack with lots of space for snacks and water
- Suitable jacket
- Trekking poles if you plan to do any trekking
- And here are some items to pack just for winter!
- Thermals layers
- Water-resistant boots, or at least boots made for snow
- Winter jacket – a ski jacket might be perfect
- Winter Clothing
Things To Know Before Travelling To Iceland
Before visiting Iceland, there are things you must know.
- Appreciate Icelanders’ free-thinking inventiveness
- Before you go off, make a plan
- Bring a debit or credit card with a chip and pin
- Consider the weather carefully
- Explore the more secluded or hazardous areas
- Keep the vehicle on the appropriate road when driving
- Never go off-road
- Pack the right outdoor gear and wear appropriate clothing for hiking
- Recognize how tourism affects Iceland
- Travel sensibly and environmentally
- Take off your shoes indoors
- Use common sense
- Whenever possible, take a soapy shower before entering a hot spring
- Watch the latest news about Iceland’s volcanic eruptions
- You can sip the water from the tap
Are you prepared to travel to Iceland?
I hope this guide on planning a trip to Iceland 2024 has helped you in planning a once-in-a-lifetime vacation! It’s worth the hype despite its popularity and cost –everyone should go there at least once in their lifetime!
